A randomised controlled trial of 'MUMentum postnatal': Internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety and depression in postpartum women

This study examines the internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety and depression in postpartum women. Participants were women recruited in Australia by advertisements posted on social media websites, online forums and flyers distributed in maternity hospitals in Sydney, Australia. This study provides preliminary evidence for the efficacy and acceptability of MUMentum Postnatal, a brief unguided iCBT intervention for the treatment of anxiety and/or depression in postpartum women. Our findings contribute to the existing evidence base for the efficacy of iCBT for postpartum depression, and establishes preliminary efficacy of iCBT for postpartum GAD, and comorbid MDD and GAD symptoms. This is particularly important for the treatment of postpartum anxiety, which has received little attention to date. Further RCTs are required to replicate our findings and investigate whether treatment effects are sustained long-term. The potential clinical value of unguided iCBT for postpartum women is substantial. MUMentum Postnatal can overcome barriers to accessing treatment and improve treatment coverage as a scalable and low cost ‘first step’ intervention for all women screening positive for distress, anxiety and/or depression in routine care. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)